RESOURCES

There is an abundance of information about the Montessori approach to educating children. Here are some we recommend: ​

• The American Montessori Society’s Introduction to Montessori provides an excellent explanation of the Montessori approach to education and its benefits.

SUGGESTED READING

• The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori

MYTHS & FACTS

If you’re new to Montessori – or even if you’re not – you may have heard a variety of opinions. There are some persistent myths about Montessori, some of them contradictory. Here are a few of the most prevalent: ​ ​ MYTH In Montessori schools, students just do whatever they feel like doing. It’s chaotic. FACT In Montessori schools, students learn to become self-directed. But they do so precisely because there is a very thoughtful classroom structure. On any given day, teachers present lessons, students work together and help one another, and students focus individually on their own work. The teacher sets developmentally appropriate goals and specific tasks for each child and then monitors their progress. ​ ​ MYTH Montessori schools are too structured. FACT Oddly, both this myth and its opposite (above) exist. As described above, Montessori has a structure that promotes independent learning, creativity, and self-discipline, as opposed to rigidity, rote learning, and teaching for the test. ​ ​ MYTH Montessori is a religious doctrine. Sometimes it is assumed to be affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. FACT Montessori has no religious affiliation whatsoever. Like most other Montessori schools, at CVMS we deliberately create a culture of kindness and respect toward others, cultivate responsibility for the natural world, and promote understanding of the wider world with a focus on peace. ​ ​ MYTH Montessori focuses on creativity, but not on math, science, and technology. FACT The Montessori mathematics curriculum, which employs systems of materials that students manipulate, is exceptionally strong. Students develop a genuine understanding of mathematical concepts at each level. Likewise, the Montessori approach to science develops curiosity along with understanding of the scientific method and processes. At CVMS, students begin using technology at the Early Childhood level and develop increasing sophistication with every ensuing year. We provide students with a strong core of knowledge in math, science, and technology along with the ability to analyze information and solve problems alone and collaboratively. ​ ​ MYTH Montessori is elitist. FACT Quite the opposite. While CVMS does focus on excellence in all aspects of learning and development, we have a strong culture that embraces racial, cultural, and economic diversity and actively promotes respect and kindness toward all. ​

TAKE A LOOK

• Take a peek inside a typical Montessori classroom to see what makes it so unique.
• Learn why the Montessori kindergarten year—the third and final year of the Montessori Early Childhood cycle—is a foundation for life.

MONTESSORIANS YOU MAY KNOW

Nationally and internationally, the list of famous individuals who have benefitted from a Montessori education is very long. Several websites provide information about some of them: ​ WWW.MARIAMONTESSORI.COM | AFTER MONTESSORI – MONTESSORI ANSWERS HERE ARE JUST A FEW NAMES YOU MAY RECOGNIZE: ​

• Joshua Bell, American superstar violinist

THE BASICS

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Montessori education is based on these principles, as set forth by the American Montessori Society: ​

• The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.